Impact of Role Models on Educational Aspirations: Evidence from Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps

This study examines the impact of role models on educational aspirations and effort among secondary-school students using participants from Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). It employs a randomized control trial methodology with NYSC participants trained to provide leadership training and mentoring to students. Results show no significant overall impacts, but the treatments positively affect aspirations and effort among students in rural schools, closing the rural-urban gap.